Join air-quality field trips in Boyle Heights and East LA and take home a free tree

This story first appeared on The LA Local.

Eastside residents are invited to a series of field trips this month to learn how air-quality sensors will be installed across Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles, in an effort to improve air quality and extreme heat in the community.

The nonprofit Climate Resolve, in partnership with Promesa Boyle Heights and California Climate Investments, is hosting two field trips on April 11 and April 18 for residents to witness the installation. Free shuttle transportation will be provided. 

At the April 18 event, the nonprofit City Plants will also give out free potted fruit and shade trees. Proof of L.A. residency is required to receive a tree.

Through these field trips, Eastsiders will get to see how and where air quality will be measured in their neighborhoods. Once installed, the monitors will measure wind, black carbon, ozone, particulate matter, and nitrogen dioxide levels. 

Historically, the Eastside has been plagued by high smog and poor air quality due to nearby freeways, rail yards, and industrial activities. East L.A. is crisscrossed by heavily trafficked freeways like the I-5, I-10 and I-710.

Compared to more affluent neighborhoods, areas like Boyle Heights and East L.A. have fewer trees and parks, which naturally help filter pollutants and improve air quality.

As a result, residents in these communities often experience poorer air quality, which contributes to health issues. For example, people in Boyle Heights are 75 to 86% more likely to develop asthma than those in other parts of California, according to a 2023 case study by East LA Community Corporation.

Freelance writer Valeria Macias contributed to this report.